Madison Taylor Baez Talks Netflix Selena: The Series And More – Exclusive Interview

Madison Taylor Baez plays Young Selena in the upcoming Netflix original Selena: The Series and we have gotten the opportunity to speak with her about the role as well as her career.

Musical prodigy and multi-talented young actress, Madison Taylor Baez is set to take audiences and Hollywood by storm! Just under 10 years old and already a breakout star, Baez will be making her series regular television debut as “Young Selena,” alongside Christian Serratos (“The Walking Dead”) in the upcoming Netflix original, “Selena: The Series” slated for summer 2020.

BSCKids: Tell us about the character you will be playing in Netflix original “Selena: The Series.”

Madison Taylor Baez: I play the fun loving Young Selena. Abraham (Selena’s father) has this idea to a start a family band with Young Selena as the lead singer. I, as young Selena, recreate many of the moments in her life as she learns to sing wanting to make her father proud. The series also shows many struggles the family had to endure to achieve the father’s dream of having Selena achieve worldwide success.

How did you get the role and tell us about the audition process?

I was invited to audition for the role by casting, for the initial and callback auditions which were a couple of months apart. I had to do 2 scenes and sing songs in Spanish and English. I was very prepared and did my research on young Selena. I studied and watched the videos of her when she was my age that I could find. I felt really confident that I did well in my auditions for the role. Especially when seeing the reactions of the producers. A month after the call back audition my dad received a call that I got the role as Young Selena while we were at my soccer practice. I was so excited and happy I couldn’t even finish practice.

How much did you know about Selena Quintanilla’s before you started filming?

Honestly, I did not know who Selena was but both my parents were fans of her music. They showed me her videos on YouTube, I saw the movie, and I listened to all her songs. I also read the many stories written about her life and fell in love with her and her music.

Who do you feel you taught you the most while on set?

I would have to Say Ricardo Chavira who plays my dad (Abraham Quintanilla). He would always give me encouragement, compliment me on my scenes and joke with me. He was great! Also, my awesome director Hiromi Kamata! She was so patient and gave me great direction as well as the confidence to let me bring my experience as a singer and performer into the role.

Any interesting filming stories you can share with us?

Yes! I had been on location a few weeks before Christian Serratos arrived. Christian plays the older Selena. The show’s producers thought it would be a great idea that when myself and Christian meet for the first time, I would give her a private tour of the studio lot and they would film us. So I did and we had so much fun getting to know each other and we really bonded. I showed her the Corpus Christi neighborhood and house that Selena grew up in that was built on the lot and her dressing room and a bunch of other places. We had a lot of fun!

What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?

Although this is my first big role, I have been acting for over 2 years. I have filmed 11 national commercials, music videos and co-starred in a short film “The Tooth Racket” which recently won Best Comedy Short Film at the Hollywood Just for Shorts Festival. Also I love to paint, draw and cook.

Where is somewhere that you have not performed the national anthem that you would love to?

Oh that’s a great question! Hmm! I would say that one of my goals is to perform the National Anthem at the Super Bowl or World Series. That would be amazing!! I love football and baseball.

What are you favorite sports teams?

I’m a huge LA Dodgers and LA Rams fan.

Tell us a bit about your charity work.

I have been singing at charity events since I was 7 yrs. old for schools. I’ve performed at many cancer awareness events as well as for other causes. It’s a passion of mine to give back and do what I can to help others in need with my voice, especially with my father battling cancer himself for the last 6 years. I know firsthand how any disease can effect someone and their families. I will always continue to donate my time to charities and causes. It just feels right and I get so much back in return.

Anything else you have coming up in the future you can tell us about?

Before the self-quarantine and social distancing, I was working on a few new opportunities that came to halt. I hope to get back to those and announce them soon.

• Why should everyone be tuning in to the Netflix original “Selena: The Series.”

For everyone to see me as Young Selena, of course! lol. Also to be inspired by seeing Selena’s amazing story and the family’s journey through the good times and bad in their quest to find success.

Where can fans find your social media?

Instagram: @madisonbaezmusic Facebook: madisonbaezmusic Music Site: www.madisonbaezmusic.com

Thanks to Madison Taylor Baez for taking the time to speak with us!